UK 'weather bomb' brings hundreds of lightning strikes, and power outage to 17,000 homes

The storm brought powerful waves to UK coasts, including here at Portstewart in Northern Ireland

High winds and huge waves are affecting north-western parts of the UK as bad weather hits power supplies and travel.

The "weather bomb" has brought hundreds of lightning strikes, temporarily cutting power across the Western Isles, affecting 17,000 homes.

The Met Office has warned parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland to "be prepared" as the rapidly developing storm threatens gusts of up to 80mph.

Wind speeds are expected to peak on Wednesday afternoon and early evening.

BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood said it would be a "wild" day from north Wales northwards, while it would be "blustery" further south.

Explosive cyclogenesis - known colloquially as a "weather bomb" - is when a storm intensifies as the pressure at its centre drops rapidly (by more than 24 millibars in 24 hours). The storm currently affecting parts of the UK formed in this way.

Speaking from Barra in the Outer Hebrides, Donald MacLeod, coxswain of the island's lifeboat, said there was rain, hail and "plenty of wind".

He said the storm had "grown through the night", adding: "The swell conditions are pretty bad to the west - it's showing about 14m (45ft)."

Mr Macleod said this was "a lot deeper than we normally see" and was "definitely something to be wary of".

Power supplier Scottish and Southern Energy said the problem affecting the Western Isles was caused by lightning, but electricity has now been restored to most homes.

North-west England was also hit by high waves, as seen here at Whitehaven in Cumbia

Western Isles Council said all schools and nurseries would be closed, along with many other facilities. Many schools in the Highlands are also closed.

Lightning over 24 hours from 09:30 GMT on Tuesday, with darker colours showing more recent strikes

In Aberdeenshire, about 20 vehicles got stuck in icy conditions on the B974 Banchory to Fettercairn road. A gritter was sent and the vehicles were later freed.

Ahead of the forecast storms, ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne warned of severe disruption to its services.

High waves crash onto the promenade in Blackpool

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